Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - BENZINO (1) went close here over a mile and then missed a whisker at Ipswich stepping up to this distance range. He maps well and will be fitter again. The one they have to beat. THE VOCALIST (8) finished a lip behind the above at Ipswich and then found one better at Grafton off a wide gate. Has the inside barrier today and has winning claims. CASANOVA MAN (2) is better than the form line suggests. He is on a 7-day return and is looking for the middle distance. FINE AND RARE (5) is running out of chances but got closer at the Gold Coast and the extra metres will suit. The premier hoop goes aboard and that's a decent push for his chances.
RACE 2 - STREET CHASE (10) was beaten narrowly in an Open 2 here on debut and has been well-trialled for his return. He has been gelded and will naturally improve. Draws awkwardly but the gun hoop is booked and that's a decent push for his chances. The one they have to beat. ANDERSEN (2) found a place at the Sunshine Coast on debut and resumes today owning a positive Deagon trial. The colt will have come on and will likely push forward. Gollan-trained ACAPPELLA NOVA (1) debuts with a 3kg claim. He's trialled here and maps well. The late betting will be key. Ditto with fellow debutant SUNLIGHT MAJESTY (11) who is likely to be better than his trial finish suggests.
RACE 3 - Competitive. BLIND DESIRE (13) and placed 4/5 and led and just missed at the Sunshine Coast 11 days ago. Peaks now and a 3kg claimer goes aboard. Will jump from the inside barrier and is sure to give a sight. BOLLINGER MISS (15) was only beaten 2L at Eagle Farm on debut. She just missed in a recent trial there and despite the wide gate deserves plenty of respect. CANYA BERICH (1) and LADY LAZARUS (7) are debutants who've looked good at the trials. They've had positive support in early markets and should get every chance. PIERATA'S GEM (10) resumes and has shown plenty of promise in stronger races. She's switched barns and has trialled with race day jockey Samantha Collett aboard. She has to be kept onside.
RACE 4 - NOTACLUEHOWORWHO (3) was back to form when beaten a whisker this trip at the Sunshine Coast. He has more to give and maps for a soft on-pace run. He's ready to win. Gollan-trained ADDITION (5) went close at Ipswich and then delivered a comfortable Maiden win at Ipswich. It was a good effort, and the top hoop sticks aboard. The mile will suit and she's likely to enjoy a cosy transit. She's capable of taking the next step. AMERICAN PHIREBALL (1) won at Doomben three back and last time was nudged out there over this distance in stronger company. Callow is a positive jockey booking but an outside gate needs managing. A live chance regardless. HOLY FLASH (2) is third-up seeking the hat-trick. This is harder but he keeps improving.
RACE 5 - WHO ORDERED DAFISH (3) brings strong form to resumption and won with authority first-up last time. He finds lesser grade and looks well placed with Lang's 3kg claim. Tipping he'll be ready to go. TREASURER (9) peaks and is improving. Went close in a 60 at the Sunshine Coast last time and is in well with the 3kg claim. He has the rails gate again and may sit closer today. HE'S FOR THE GIRLS (1) needed the first-up outing and is up to this. Finally lands a decent gate and he's been kept on the fresh side. Quick improvement is likely. HE'S ESSENTIAL (7) was plainer last time but has pieces of form that would see him competitive. Has a low gate and races forward.
RACE 6 - GLEBE (7) was switched north from Waller's Sydney stable and belted the Murwillumbah Maidens by 3L first-up. Has more to give and the longer sprint will suit. She'll be better for the outing and the premier hoop is booked. That's a decent push for her chances. AITUTAKI (1) resumed on the same day and won a CL1 well. She'd come off a try in Stakes level and maps well with Cahill in the saddle. She will keep building and is a chance. JUKEBOX GLOW (5) was tracking well before getting too far back here in tougher grade. Draws awkwardly again but gets in well with the 2kg claim. DUNTROON LASS (13) is third-up off two near misses at Gatton. Has a handy 3kg claim and she ran her best race over this longer sprint. That would see her competitive.
RACE 7 - LA PETITE MAISON (3) resumes for the premier barn with the top hoop booked (Orman). He runs along and brings compelling form from Doomben. He's trialled sharply there with Orman aboard and will be naturally improved. Tough to beat. Stablemate ARISPHERE (8) resumed with a Maiden win at the Sunshine Coast riding the speed. She's improved and draws low. Keeps the handy 3kg claim and is sure to keep building. BRAVELY (4) resumed well supported but didn't handle the heavy track. He's proven second-up and would be in the finish at best. IT'S RAINING AGAIN (1) resumed in good order and finally draws an inside gate. Fitter and and in the mix.
